Concept in Definition ABC

Nazireato or nazareato is a word of Hebrew origin and literally means "consecrated to God". Is denomination refers to men and women who in the old tradition Jews turned away from worldly life to devote themselves temporarily to the devotion of God.

The first references to this life option appear in the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Tanach.

The Nazarite was the person who consecrated himself to God and this word should not be confused with Nazarene, who is the person originally from Nazareth.

The decision of the Nazireate was accompanied by a personal commitment, which included a series of precepts and rituals: the person consecrated to God allowed his hair to grow as symbol of sanctity, he was forbidden to approach a deceased person or drink wine, he had to go to the sanctuary with two turtledoves and present a lamb as an offering. When the period of consecration ended, the Nazarite brought new offerings to the sanctuary, his head was shaved and his hair was burned as a sign of purification. The nazireate was entirely voluntary.

East ritual it must be interpreted symbolically. Thus, through it the believer temporarily separated himself from ordinary life and gave himself up to the worship of the Creator. It should be noted that in ancient Hebrew tradition some Nazireans opted for a lifetime consecration. Some characters Biblical people, including Jeremiah or Samson, led this kind of life temporarily.

The nazireate also appears in the New Testament and John the Baptist exemplifies this type of life in the Christian tradition.

When he was very young, John the Baptist felt that he had been called by God. To live fully consecrated to the Creator, he went to live desert, where he could remain silent and practice a severe fast. The fact of departing (the Hebrew verb nazir precisely means to separate) had a deep meaning, since it implied a greater approach to God.

He lived in solitude for almost twenty years and finally felt that it was the right time to announce the arrival of the Messiah.

He began preaching him near the shores of the River Jordan, where people listened to him attentively. Those who believed in his words and repented of their sins were baptized as a sign of purification (for this reason he has gone down in history as John the Baptist).

When on one occasion Jesus of Nazareth appeared near the Jordan, Jesus wanted to know who had prepared the way for him. The son of God also wanted to be baptized, because in this way he presented himself to men as one more sinner.

Fotolia photos: Del / Jiawangkun